Sublime released three studio albums, one live album, five compilation albums (one of which also contains never-before released material), three EPs, and one box set. Although their first two albumsβ40oz. to Freedom (1992) and Robbin' the Hood (1994)βwere quite popular in the United States, Sublime did not experience major commercial success until 1996 with their self-titled third album, released two months after Nowell's death, which peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, and spawned the single "What I Got", which remains the band's only No. 1 hit single (on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart) in their musical career. As of 2009, the band has sold over 17 million albums worldwide, including about ten million in the U.S. alone. Michael "Miguel" Happoldt and Marshall "Ras MG" Goodman contributed to several Sublime songs.
Following Sublime's dissolution, former members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh founded the Long Beach Dub Allstars in 1997, which also included many frequent Sublime contributors such as Michael "Miguel" Happoldt (former member of The Ziggens), Marshall Goodman "Ras MG" (former Sublime member), and Todd Forman (3rd Alley). LBDAS disbanded in 2002, due to several members of the band breaking a no-drug vow they had taken. In 2009, the surviving members attempted to reform the band with Rome Ramirez, a young guitarist and admitted Sublime fan from California. However, not long after performing at Cypress Hill's Smokeout Festival, a Los Angeles judge banned the new lineup from using the Sublime name as they needed permission from Nowell's estate, which owns the rights to the Sublime name. This prompted the lineup of Wilson, Gaugh and Ramirez to change their name to Sublime with Rome, which has since released three albums, although Gaugh left the group shortly after the release of their 2011 debut Yours Truly.
With the mainstream success of their self-titled album, going five times platinum and earning worldwide airplay, Sublime's influence persists to this day. Sublime was one of the most popular bands of the third wave of ska, specifically characterized as ska punk. Sublime often combined punk rock and hardcore punk with hip hop, heavy metal, dancehall, reggae, ska, funk, and (21st century) surf music. Sublime also has been described as 'reggae rock'.
Their signature sound and their songs are often associated with the beach and coastal areas of Southern California, such as San Diego, Orange County, Venice Beach and Long Beach as well as areas of Northern California like Eureka. Over two decades after Nowell's death and the band's breakup, Sublime remains immensely popular throughout North America, especially in its state of origin, California.
Sublime's songs have been featured via soundtrack in a variety of media. Los Angeles alternative rock radio station KROQ has listed Sublime at No. 3 in their annual "Top 106.7 biggest KROQ bands of all time" list for the past six years in a row, behind Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana, and No. 81 at the "Top 166 Artists of 1980β2008" list.
With over 17 million units sold worldwide, Sublime is one of the most successful, and "powerfully moving" ska-punk acts of all time influencing many modern reggae and ska acts.
What I Got Reprise
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Light me up that cigarette and I strap shoes on my feet
Got to find a reason, a reason things went wrong
Got to find a reason why my money's all gone
I got a dalmatian, and I can still get high
I can play the guitar like a mother fucking riot
Well, life is too short, so love the one you got
Never had to battle with no bulletproof vest
Never start static I just get it off my chest
Take a small example, take a tip from me
Take all of your money, give it all to charity
Love is what I got
Within my reach
And the Sublime style's still straight from Long Beach
It all comes back to you, you'll finally get what you deserve
Try and test that you're bound to get served
Love's what I got
Don't start a riot
You'll feel it when the dance gets hot
Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that
(That's) why I don't cry when my dog runs away
I don't get angry at the bills I have to pay
I don't get angry when my Mom smokes pot
Hits the bottle and goes right to the rock
Fuckin' and fightin', it's all the same
Livin' with Louie dog's the only way to stay sane
Let the lovin', let the lovin' come back to me
Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got, I got I got I, got I, got
In "What I Got Reprise," Sublime's lead singer, Bradley Nowell, appears to be reflecting on life and its various challenges. The lyrics suggest that he's trying to find a reason for the things that have gone wrong in his life, including the loss of his money. Despite these struggles, he still has a loyal companion in his dog and the ability to find happiness in playing music.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of love and cherishing what you've got in life, because things can change quickly and unexpectedly. Bradley sings that he's never needed a bulletproof vest and never starts trouble with anyone, but he also acknowledges that fighting and arguing are just part of life. He suggests that living with his dog, Louie, is the only way he's able to maintain his sanity.
Overall, "What I Got Reprise" is a song that celebrates love, music, and the simple pleasures in life. Bradley seems to be urging listeners to embrace the good things they have and not to let the struggles and hardships of life bring them down.
Line by Line Meaning
Early in the morning, risin' to the street
Beginning my day with a positive attitude and determination
Light me up that cigarette and I strap shoes on my feet
Preparing myself both mentally and physically for the day
Got to find a reason, a reason things went wrong
Searching for answers and solutions to my problems
Got to find a reason why my money's all gone
Trying to understand why I am facing financial difficulties
I got a dalmatian, and I can still get high
I still find joy in life's simple pleasures, despite any hardships
I can play the guitar like a mother fucking riot
I am confident in my creative abilities and use them to express myself
Well, life is too short, so love the one you got
Life is fleeting, cherish the people and things that matter most
'Cause you might get run over or you might get shot
Anything can happen at any moment, so value what you have now
Never had to battle with no bulletproof vest
I have not faced extremely dangerous situations
Never start static I just get it off my chest
I prefer to communicate and resolve issues rather than engaging in conflict
Take a small example, take a tip from me
Consider my experiences and learn from them
Take all of your money, give it all to charity
Be generous and help those in need with what you have
Love is what I got
Within my reach
And the Sublime style's still straight from Long Beach
I have love in my life and remain true to my roots and heritage
It all comes back to you, you'll finally get what you deserve
Karma exists and one's actions will have consequences
Try and test that you're bound to get served
If you challenge me or my beliefs, be prepared to face the consequences
Don't start a riot
You'll feel it when the dance gets hot
Avoid causing chaos and you will enjoy the party atmosphere
Lovin', is what I got, I said remember that
The love in my life is what truly matters and I hold onto it
(That's) why I don't cry when my dog runs away
I don't get angry at the bills I have to pay
I don't get angry when my Mom smokes pot
Hits the bottle and goes right to the rock
I accept life's challenges and the behavior of those around me, without letting them consume me
Fuckin' and fightin', it's all the same
Livin' with Louie dog's the only way to stay sane
The constant struggle and conflict in life can lead to insanity, but my love for my dog, Louie, keeps me grounded
Let the lovin', let the lovin' come back to me
I want to share and receive love in all aspects of my life
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRADLEY JAMES NOWELL, ERIC JOHN WILSON, FLOYD I. GAUGH IV, LINDON ROBERTS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paco
[Verse 1]
Early in the morning, rising to the street
Light me up that cigarette and I'll strap shoes on my feet
Got to find a reason, reason things went wrong
Got to find a reason why my money's all gone
I got a Dalmatian, I can still get high
I can play the guitar like a motherfucking riot
Life is too short, so, love the one you got
'Cause you might get run over, or you might get shot
Never had to battle with my bullet-proof vest
Never start static, I get that off my chest
Take a small example, a tip from me
Take all of your money, give it all to charity-ty-ty-ty
Love's what I got within my reach
And the Sublime style's still straight from Long Beach
It comes back to you, you gonna get what you deserve
Try and test that, you're bound to get served
Love's what I got, don't start a riot
You feel it when the dance gets hot, hot
[Chorus]
Lovin' is what i got
I said, remember that
Lovin' is what i got
I said, remember that
[Verse 2]
Well, I don't cry when my dog runs away
I don't get angry at the bills I have to pay
I don't get angry when my mom smokes pot
Hits the bottle and goes right to the rock
Fucking and fighting, it's all the same
Livin' with Louie Dog's the only way to stay sane
Let the lovin', let the lovin' come back to me
[Chorus]
Lovin' is what I got
I said, remember that
Lovin' is what I got
I said, remember that
Lovin' is what I got
I said, remember that
Lovin' is what I got
I said, remember that
Brakedust Mcmuffins
This song has gotten me through everything in my adult life. it serves as a constant reminder that as long as I still have love in my heart I don't have nothing.
help
βFuck it and fight it, itβs all the sameβ is kinda my lifeβs motto. Sometimes I think to myself, βYou can say βfuck itβ or you can try to fight against the situation. The best option is just to say βfuck itββ
Chris Walter
Word
Michael Fournier
@help I work in IT fighting and fucking both hurt the junk; but I share tour sentiment.
Justine Blackburn
I feel you, I use this song as an morning alarm clock since Im a young adult. The lyrics motivate me to face the challenges of most days. Like you, it has gotten me through everything.
Chris Walter
Word
True Aspect
This version was one of the last songs recorded by Brad in 1996. You can hear the maturity in his voice compared to the previous recordings and might provide some insight into what his later songs might have sounded like if he had lived.
MrALZ2011
This song!! Is always a good vibe on a bad day thank you soo much Bradley Nowell & lou dog Rip!!! Best band ever!!
Connor Robertson
I wish he never died. I miss him even though I never met him. Such a great summer band. They could have done such great things. Makes me tear up.
Beatsall Mub
the reprise is better than the original for me but stan Sublime for clear skin anyway